Lid assembly with tape roll holder

ABSTRACT

A plastic lid for a plastic paint container includes a holder for retaining a roll of masking tape. The holder can be a receptacle, a protrusion for engaging the central core of a roll of masking tape, or a combination thereof. Additionally, tabs and protrusions can be used to further secure the roll of masking tape to the container lid. When a central protrusion is used, at least a portion can be formed as a logo. Combinations of the lid and a container and the lid and a roll of tape are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/800,238, filed May 12, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments in this application relate to a lid assembly for paint and coating containers such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862, incorporated herein by reference, but which further comprises a holder sized for holding a roll of masking tape. The holder can be a receptacle for the tape roll, a protrusion for engaging a central core of a tape roll, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention relates generally to a combination of a roll of masking tape with a lid assembly for a paint or coating container.

Masking tape is often used when painting interior surfaces to prevent the overlap of paint onto other surfaces such as ceilings, wall, glass panes, and trim. Masking tape is marketed by Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. in different colors to indicate the quality of the tape. Intertape's PT8 masking tape is a green paper backed pressure sensitive masking tape with a synthetic adhesive designed for direct exposure to sunlight up to eight days while providing clean removal from most surfaces. It is suitable for use on windows, trim and walls and has a medium crepe backing that provides very good cornering and conformability. Intertape's PT14 masking tape is a blue paper backed pressure sensitive masking tape with a synthetic adhesive designed for direct exposure to sunlight up to fourteen days while exhibiting easy removal from most surfaces. It is made with a fine structured crepe backing that provides excellent conformability and cornering. While masking tape is marketed and used specifically for painting purposes, it is not presently sold in combination with paint.

The typical paint container uses a substantially flat metal lid on a cylindrical metal can. However, more recently, Sherwin-Williams® introduced a plastic container that has a square cross-section and a circular, screw-on plastic lid assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862 to Nottingham et al. This prior art container 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, has a body 12 with a bottom wall, at least four sidewalls and a neck. The neck defines a wide mouth opening and includes threads for receiving mating threads on the lid 14. The lid 14 also has a plurality of lugs 16, preferably two lugs 16, extending radially from the lid 14 and terminating at or before the lugs 16 extend beyond the container sidewalls when the lid 14 is in sealed engagement with the container. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the top portion of the lid 14 is substantially flat. The body 12 also has an integral handle 13 for lifting the container and the container neck supports a bail-type handle 18 also for lifting said container. The integral handle 13 and bail-type handle 18 do not extend beyond the container sidewall. The container and lid assembly thus have an effective packing footprint and an effective packing volume which substantially conforms to the effective packing footprint and the effective packing volume of a conventional metal paint can. However, this container does not offer a convenient storage mechanism for masking tape that is often used in painting tasks.

What would be useful is a means to store and/or merchandise masking tape in conjunction with a container of paint or other coating or, alternately, in conjunction with a container lid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a means for storing and/or merchandising a roll of masking tape in a lid assembly of a paint or coating container by providing a holder in an upper portion of the lid assembly, where the holder is sized and shaped for retaining a roll of masking tape.

Disclosed embodiments provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket container lid that includes a roll of masking tape in a holder.

Disclosed embodiments also provide container lids that comprise a holder for a roll of masking tape.

Disclosed embodiments further provide a lid with a receptacle that is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape.

Certain disclosed embodiments provide a lid with a protrusion that is dimensioned to engage the inner core of a roll of masking tape.

Other disclosed embodiments provide a lid with both a receptacle that is dimensioned to accept a roll of masking tape and a protrusion that is dimensioned to engage the inner core of the roll of masking tape.

Disclosed embodiments provide the lid in combination with a roll of masking tape or in combination with both a roll of masking tape and a container of liquid coating.

Various embodiments of the invention include: a combination of a plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, a subcombination of a plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, and a combination of a plastic container lid and a roll of masking tape. In each embodiment, the lid includes a lower portion for engaging a container and a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. In some embodiments, the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape. In other embodiments, the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion that is dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape. In further embodiments, the holder includes both a wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle and a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape. In a variation of this embodiment, the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.

A variation of the embodiments that use a receptacle can further comprise a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the receptacle wall at spaced locations. Similarly, a variation of the embodiments that use a central protrusion can further comprise a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations. Any embodiment with a central protrusion can further comprise a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion to assist in grasping the roll of tape and/or at least a portion that is formed as a logo.

Each of the various embodiments can be formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding. Likewise, each of the various embodiments can include a holder that is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by a review of the figures and detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view prior art container and lid assembly;

FIG. 1B illustrates a basic cross section of a prior art container lid;

FIG. 2 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an orthogonal view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a means for a roll of masking tape to be stored and/or merchandised in a lid of a paint or coating container. The substantially flat top portion of the lid is altered to provide a holder for a roll of tape. The structure of the holder is preferably molded integrally with the plastic lid, such as by injection molding or blow molding of the additional structure, although this is not meant as a limitation. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the additional structure of the holder in one embodiment of a lid 20 is a receptacle 22 formed by a raised wall 24 adjacent the outer edge of the lid 20. Preferably, the receptacle 22 further includes a central protrusion 26 sized to correspond with the approximately 3″ paper core that is commonly used with masking tape rolls, although this is not a limitation. The central protrusion 26, if included, may be molded appropriate to the size of the tape core for the desired roll of tape.

In another embodiment of lid 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the raised wall 34 adjacent the outer edge of the lid 30 further includes a plurality of tabs 36 to assist in retaining a roll of tape in the receptacle 32. Such tabs 36 help to retain the roll of masking tape when the container assembly or lid 30 is not horizontal, yet do not substantially interfere with removal of the tape roll due to having sufficient clearance, sufficient flexibility, or both. FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment that uses tabs 98 to help retain a roll of masking tape in lid 90. Although certain tabs 30 and 98 are illustrated, the precise shape and configuration of such tabs is not limited to those illustrated and can take numerous other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the holder for the tape roll is formed in the lid 40 as a protrusion 46 with an effective diameter that is sufficient to frictionally engage the paper core of the masking tape roll in order to secure the roll of masking tape to the lid 40. While illustrated in cross section as being cylindrical with a flat top, protrusion 46 can take any suitable form without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the protrusion 46 could be tapered vertically or rounded without departing from the scope of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lid 50 can further include side walls 54 in addition to protrusion 56 so as to form receptacle 52 for a roll of masking tape. As further illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the protrusion diameter of 56/60 can be sized to engage the core of the tape roll. Alternately, other means such as additional protrusions 74 projecting radially from a central protrusion 70, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or another shape 80 that has protrusions 82 to effectively engage the core of a roll of masking tape with sufficient friction can be employed, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

In certain embodiments, it may also be useful to mold the protrusion 96, or a portion thereof, so as to provide a logo or other marketing indicia, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In this manner, the central portion that is exposed in the center of the roll of tape can be used for marketing and/or branding purposes. In other embodiments, molded indicia on the protrusion can include instructional or other information related to use of the lid or the masking tape.

In embodiments where a central circular protrusion is included, the protrusion preferably includes a finger indentation 62, 72, 92, and 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and 10, to make it easier to grasp and remove the roll of masking tape. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a lid 90 includes raised wall 94, central protrusion 96, finger indent 92, and a plurality of tabs 98 extending inwardly from the top of raised wall 94 so as to assist in securing a roll of masking tape in the lid 90.

An example of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example, the plastic container 100 from Sherwin-Williams® that has a square cross-section and a circular, screw-on plastic lid assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862 to Nottingham et al. has been adapted to use a lid 114 that can hold masking tape 112. As in the '862 patent, the lid 114 includes lugs 116 and the container includes bail handle 118. The lid 114 further includes a raised wall 104 and a central protrusion 106 to form a receptacle for masking tape 112. The central protrusion 106 is rounded and includes finger indentation 102 to assist in removal and insertion of the masking tape 112.

The invention can further be adapted to provide a roll of masking tape that is most suitable for the paint or coating that it is included with. For example, for flat wall coatings (paints) that are likely to be applied with a roller, the lid can be adapted for holding a wide (e.g., 2″ wide) masking tape, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paints that are more likely to be applied with a brush can be adapted to hold a thinner (e.g., ¾″ or 1″ wide) roll of masking tape. Similarly, premium tape (e.g., Intertape brand PT14) can be included with premium paints and good tape (e.g., Intertape brand PT8) can be included with good paints.

A basic embodiment comprises a plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, where the assembly comprises a container and a lid with the lid including a lower portion for engaging the container and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. Variations of this basic embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape and/or wherein the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape and/or the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. It further includes embodiments optionally comprising: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. Other options for the basic embodiment include those where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and those where the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

Another embodiment comprises a plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising a lower portion including means for engaging a container, and a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. Variations of this embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape; and the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. This embodiment can optionally further comprise: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. This embodiment also includes those where the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and where the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

A further embodiment is to a plastic container lid and masking tape assembly comprising a lid and a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising: a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining the roll of masking tape. Variations of this lid and tape combination embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape and/or wherein the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape and/or the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. It further includes embodiments optionally comprising: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. Other options for the basic embodiment include those where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and those where the holder is dimensioned to hold the roll of masking tape which is selected to have a width suitable for a liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

In any embodiment wherein the lid has a central protrusion, it is optional to have at least a portion of the central protrusion formed as a logo or formed so that a logo may be applied thereto. Thus, a flattened portion of the central protrusion may have a logo formed or embossed thereon, or may permit the application of a “stick on” logo or other printed material, thus permitting a logo or printed display.

A system and method for providing a roll of masking tape in the lid of a paint or other coating container have been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. 

1. A plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, the assembly comprising: a container and a lid; the lid comprising a lower portion for engaging the container and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.
 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.
 6. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.
 7. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.
 8. The assembly of any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
 11. A plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising: a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape.
 12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.
 13. The lid of claim 11, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.
 14. The lid of claim 12, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.
 15. The lid of claim 14, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.
 16. The lid of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.
 17. The lid of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.
 18. The lid of any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.
 19. The lid of claim 11, wherein the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.
 20. The lid of claim 11, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
 21. A plastic container lid and masking tape assembly comprising a lid and a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising: a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining the roll of masking tape.
 22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.
 23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.
 24. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.
 26. The assembly of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.
 27. The assembly of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.
 28. The assembly of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.
 29. The assembly of claim 21, where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.
 30. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold the roll of masking tape which is selected to have a width suitable for a liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
 31. The assembly of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo.
 32. The lid of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo.
 33. The assembly of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo. 